Pedestrian struck, killed on 5 Freeway near Downey, snarling commute

Traffic is directed around where a vehicle fatally struck a pedestrian on the northbound 5 Freeway near Downey early Thursday. The lanes have been reopened as of 7 a.m. (KTLA)

A pedestrian was struck and killed on the northbound 5 Freeway near Downey early Thursday, prompting officials to close three lanes of traffic and clogging the morning commute.

The incident occurred south of the Rio Hondo River around 4:15 a.m., according to the California Highway Patrol, but few details of the collision were immediately available, including the identity of the pedestrian.

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A SigAlert was issued about 4:30 a.m. after three lanes were shut down, backing up traffic to before the 605 Freeway. Traffic was being diverted from Pioneer Boulevard as authorities carried out their investigation. Commuters were encouraged to find alternative routes.

[Updated 7:08 a.m. PDT: The CHP has reopened all lanes and the SigAlert has been lifted. The collision remains under investigation.]